In praise of slow riding

[iYRe]

Worth a read.. I concur with his sentiments 100%

http://www.odd-bike.com/2013/06/in-praise-of-slow.html

"You see, I’ve always ridden sport bikes, or bikes with sporting pretensions. In the sport bike community, there is a certain level of expectation with regards to your capabilities. This expectation is twofold: you have the dumb, inexperienced squids who expect you to ride at terminal velocity along the highway and wheelie at every opportunity, and then you have the seasoned sport riding veterans who expect you to be able to drag your knee through every switchback. The first group judges your skill (and the quality of a machine) exclusively on its ability to go vertical and how quickly you can achieve multiples of the speed limit. The second group judges based on your ability to keep up with them through a tight set of twisties without dying violently in the process. [...]

I fall into another, seldom mentioned category of rider – seasoned, skilled, and having a strong sense of self-preservation. I am a slow rider. And I am here to proselytize my style of riding, and speak in praise of slow. [..]

That doesn’t mean I pootle along at the speed limit everywhere I go. I don’t ride like a granny, and I hate pig-headed jerkoffs who H.O.G. the lane and clutter up the twisties without letting quicker riders past. When conditions are right and the roads are clear, I’ll drop the hammer and have some fun, and I enjoy a high speed blast as much as the next adrenaline junkie. There is a time and place for such shenanigans, and in my experience they are few and far between while on the street. If you recognize that and respect your machine, your abilities, and the conditions around you, you’ll be a far more comfortable and confident rider. That is my definition of slow - respecting the variables and the conditions and riding with the intent of making it home in one piece. My slow might be far faster than the average rider, but it is within a wide margin of safety and it is well within my comfort zone.

The older I get, the more I understand that surviving the day is far more important than setting a record pace. Fast has its place, and I respect riders who can ride quickly and smoothly without looking like a goddamned high-speed trainwreck in progress. But I’m here to praise slow. I'm here to proclaim the virtues of enjoying the ride and the experience, and riding within your capabilities, without making every ride into a do-or-die misadventure. It's time for a change in sport riding culture; no more dick-waving, no more ego clashing, no more squidly pursuits on public roads. There is a time and a place for fast, and it isn't on the street. I for one am willing to admit: I am a sport bike rider, and I am slow."

(let the dick waving commence).

[Katman]

The older I get, the more I understand that surviving the day is far more important than setting a record pace. Fast has its place, and I respect riders who can ride quickly and smoothly without looking like a goddamned high-speed trainwreck in progress. But I’m here to praise slow. I'm here to proclaim the virtues of enjoying the ride and the experience, and riding within your capabilities, without making every ride into a do-or-die misadventure. It's time for a change in sport riding culture; no more dick-waving, no more ego clashing, no more squidly pursuits on public roads. There is a time and a place for fast, and it isn't on the street. I for one am willing to admit: I am a sport bike rider, and I am slow.


And my lips didn't even move.

[scumdog]

The older I get, the more I understand that surviving the day is far more important than setting a record pace. Fast has its place, and I respect riders who can ride quickly and smoothly without looking like a goddamned high-speed trainwreck in progress. But I’m here to praise slow. I'm here to proclaim the virtues of enjoying the ride and the experience, and riding within your capabilities, without making every ride into a do-or-die misadventure. It's time for a change in sport riding culture; no more dick-waving, no more ego clashing, no more squidly pursuits on public roads. There is a time and a place for fast, and it isn't on the street. I for one am willing to admit: I am a sport bike rider, and I am slow."

I might not be a sprotsbike rider but the above fits in with my attitude 100%.:yes:

[iYRe]

I might not be a sprotsbike rider but the above fits in with my attitude 100%.:yes:

yeah.. some people are adventure/cruiser riders - I personally dont feel safe on either, sports/tourer is more my riding style. I reckon it applies to everyone regardless of what they ride.

well.. except for scooter riders... they are all mental...

err.. except for the 2 girls in mini skirts I saw riding one to Uni over summer.. they can carry on the good work :P

[onearmedbandit]

I don't give a fuck what squids or veterans think of me. I ride my own pace that I'm happy with.

[iYRe]

He points out that for some people that pace might be faster or slower than others.. hell, some of my mates think I ride too fast for them.. others think I ride too slow.. I just ride with the intention of getting where I am going without dying ;)

[Banditbandit]

And my lips didn't even move.

Bwhahahahaha .... I wanna see your hand too, to make sure you're not a puppeteer !!!

But in general terms, I agree with iYRe ... the times I have held my speed to within 10 klicks of the speed limit I have hugely enjoyed it - possibly even more than when I have gone flat out ... and I also worry about getting home alive ... every time I go on a trip (commuting is different)

On the other hand, I would also argue that blasting passed a line of Harley Diddlesons barely sitting at 100klicks - is just fucking fun ... especially when you hit 200 klicks and change up a gear ot two ...

I just wonder whether iYRe (and katman .. or even scummie) think that is acceptable,(I know the popo one won't - but illegal and safe are not the same things) given my experience (39 years on a bike) and skill level (like everyone I'm better than average - but then, we'd all say that) to be running down the Western Access Road out of Taupo at 235 klicks and watching the ZX14 in front of me open the throttle and disappear like I was standing still is safe riding ...

[Banditbandit]

He points out that for some people that pace might be faster or slower than others.. hell, some of my mates think I ride too fast for them.. others think I ride too slow.. I just ride with the intention of getting where I am going without dying ;)

Yeah .. but for me the number one point is to have fun ... and as I said above I do have fun at a cruisey speed - I also have fun watching pathed 1%ers disappear in my mirrors because they wouldn't go passed 180 klicks .. (NOT in a built up area - only on the open road ...) ... passing Harley's at 180 klicks and change up a gear when I'm in front so they can hear the change in exhaust noise ... and no, I don't ride a sprots bike ... (my wife won't let me have one unles I sell a currently owned bike ...)

(I used to go passed 200 klicks every day I rode ... I am slowing down ... partly, and I'll admit it, because katman made me think ...)

[iYRe]

Bwhahahahaha .... I wanna see your hand too, to make sure you're not a puppeteer !!!

But in general terms, I agree with iYRe ... the times I have held my speed to within 10 klicks of the speed limit I have hugely enjoyed it - possibly even more than when I have gone flat out ... and I also worry about getting home alive ... every time I go on a trip (commuting is different)

On the other hand, I would also argue that blasting passed a line of Harley Diddlesons barely sitting at 100klicks - is just fucking fun ... especially when you hit 200 klicks and change up a gear ot two ...

I just wonder whether iYRe (and katman .. or even scummie) think that is acceptable,(I know the popo one won't - but illegal and safe are not the same things) given my experience (39 years on a bike) and skill level (like everyone I'm better than average - but then, we'd all say that) to be running down the Western Access Road out of Taupo at 235 klicks and watching the ZX14 in front of me open the throttle and disappear like I was standing still is safe riding ...

Well, you know, as the guy in the article says, we all have our moments, we just pick and choose where we do it. For example, there are places you DONT split lanes and places you do.. roads you NEVER push it on.. and roads that you can find out what redline in top gear feels like. As a wise man once said - there is a season (or a road :P) for everything..

[unstuck]

I enjoy driving at 90 kph in a truck, I enjoy driving a car at 100-110 kph, I enjoy riding a bike at whatever speed I feel safe at. :headbang::headbang:

[Banditbandit]

Fuck .. I like the adrenalin rush when I'm hanging it out on the ragged edge ... which sometimes means my brain goes "faaarrrrrkkk ...... whew ... remember to breath ..."

Doing that is also when I gain more experience and understand the capabilities of the bike ..

[iYRe]

Fuck .. I like the adrenalin rush when I'm hanging it out on the ragged edge ... which sometimes means my brain goes "faaarrrrrkkk ...... whew ... remember to breath ..."

In the words of John McGuinness (Isle of man legend) regarding his Dad overtaking people on his Bandit: "Fuck dad, you're just riding some old bandit thing, slow the hell down.."
:P

[Banditbandit]

In the words of John McGuinness (Isle of man legend) regarding his Dad overtaking people on his Bandit: "Fuck dad, you're just riding some old bandit thing, slow the hell down.."
:P

Hmmm .. Bandits are pretty quick ... will scare the hell out of many riders ... and I love leaving sprots bike riders behind .. most are not as good as they think they are ... but if I'm getting up there in my range and a sprots bike leaves me behind I won't even bother to chase it ...

Big Bandits really come into their own at about 180klicks ... under 100 licks and they are inclined to wallow ... up to about 140 they are OK ... 140 to 180 and they are getting there ... 180+ and they are really singing ... the thing is they handle much better in a higher rev range .. and many Bandit riders don't use the gears ...

[Katman]

Well I knew it wouldn't be long before the cock measuring started.

[Drew]

I'm the dick waving type. Happy to admit it.

Sometimes, I ride my bike too.

[iYRe]

Hmmm .. Bandits are pretty quick ... will scare the hell out of many riders ... and I love leaving sprots bike riders behind .. most are not as good as they think they are ... but if I'm getting up there in my range and a sprots bike leaves me behind I won't even bother to chase it ...

Big Bandits really come into their own at about 180klicks ... under 100 licks and they are inclined to wallow ... up to about 140 they are OK ... 140 to 180 and they are getting there ... 180+ and they are really singing ... the thing is they handle much better in a higher rev range .. and many Bandit riders don't use the gears ...

I prefer my Kawasaki, it goes slower faster, and faster slower :P

[Grizzo]

Worth a read.. I concur with his sentiments 100%

http://www.odd-bike.com/2013/06/in-praise-of-slow.html

"You see, I’ve always ridden sport bikes, or bikes with sporting pretensions. In the sport bike community, there is a certain level of expectation with regards to your capabilities. This expectation is twofold: you have the dumb, inexperienced squids who expect you to ride at terminal velocity along the highway and wheelie at every opportunity, and then you have the seasoned sport riding veterans who expect you to be able to drag your knee through every switchback. The first group judges your skill (and the quality of a machine) exclusively on its ability to go vertical and how quickly you can achieve multiples of the speed limit. The second group judges based on your ability to keep up with them through a tight set of twisties without dying violently in the process. [...]

I fall into another, seldom mentioned category of rider – seasoned, skilled, and having a strong sense of self-preservation. I am a slow rider. And I am here to proselytize my style of riding, and speak in praise of slow. [..]

That doesn’t mean I pootle along at the speed limit everywhere I go. I don’t ride like a granny, and I hate pig-headed jerkoffs who H.O.G. the lane and clutter up the twisties without letting quicker riders past. When conditions are right and the roads are clear, I’ll drop the hammer and have some fun, and I enjoy a high speed blast as much as the next adrenaline junkie. There is a time and place for such shenanigans, and in my experience they are few and far between while on the street. If you recognize that and respect your machine, your abilities, and the conditions around you, you’ll be a far more comfortable and confident rider. That is my definition of slow - respecting the variables and the conditions and riding with the intent of making it home in one piece. My slow might be far faster than the average rider, but it is within a wide margin of safety and it is well within my comfort zone.

The older I get, the more I understand that surviving the day is far more important than setting a record pace. Fast has its place, and I respect riders who can ride quickly and smoothly without looking like a goddamned high-speed trainwreck in progress. But I’m here to praise slow. I'm here to proclaim the virtues of enjoying the ride and the experience, and riding within your capabilities, without making every ride into a do-or-die misadventure. It's time for a change in sport riding culture; no more dick-waving, no more ego clashing, no more squidly pursuits on public roads. There is a time and a place for fast, and it isn't on the street. I for one am willing to admit: I am a sport bike rider, and I am slow."

(let the dick waving commence).


Well said, totally agree. Time and place for everything.
Nothing wrong with a quick squirt, but I want to savour the moment.

[Drew]

Nothing wrong with a quick squirt, but I want to savour the moment.Difference between doing the wife, and doing the mistress isn't it?

[jellywrestler]

I'm the dick waving type. Happy to admit it.

Sometimes, I ride my bike too. that's cause it's never hard enough to measure properly

[duckonin]

Yeah .. but for me the number one point is to have fun ... and as I said above I do have fun at a cruisey speed - I also have fun watching pathed 1%ers disappear in my mirrors because they wouldn't go passed 180 klicks .. (NOT in a built up area - only on the open road ...) ... passing Harley's at 180 klicks and change up a gear when I'm in front so they can hear the change in exhaust noise ... and no, I don't ride a sprots bike ... (my wife won't let me have one unles I sell a currently owned bike ...)

(I used to go passed 200 klicks every day I rode ... I am slowing down ... partly, and I'll admit it, because katman made me think ...)

What a fucked up jerk ! My rooster has more fucken brains than you, go back to your fucken cage.:yes:

[Drew]

What a fucked up jerk ! My rooster has more fucken brains than you, go back to your fucken cage.:yes:Wheeeeeeeeeeee Hehehe. This was quick.

[BigAl]

Slow riding....

What a load of rubbish, "last one to the pub buys the beers!"

[neels]

I'm much slower than my bike is (or could be).

When I fuck up a corner I've still got lots left to gather things up and carry on.

I get me and the missus home in one piece.

If you invite me out for a ride, you might have to wait for me to catch up.

Life is good.

[nerrrd]

I am a slow rider...That doesn’t mean I pootle along at the speed limit everywhere I go. I don’t ride like a granny...(let the dick waving commence).

I thought that was what made ME a slow rider...great, now I'm a granny. And who is Richard, why is he waving and what's he about to do?

[Berries]

Choke his chicken and have a heart attack judging by post 20.

[Sable]

(let the dick waving commence).

*waves dick*

[rickstv]

Oh No, not another waving thread.:brick:

[unstuck]

This guy is the Dick waving champion, and this is how he trains.
http://www.anorak.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/genital-weights.jpg

[Banditbandit]

What a fucked up jerk ! My rooster has more fucken brains than you, go back to your fucken cage.:yes:

Oh ?? And you are so much of a better human being because ... ???? (See Unstuck's picture above ...)

[Maha]

I consider being more constant to be the better description rather than using the word slow.
Even the writer concedes that he (at times) will ''drop the hammer and have some fun, and I enjoy a high speed blast as much as the next adrenaline junkie''

On our learner rides, the more 'constant speed' group arrives anywhere between 5-10 minutes behind the quicker group/s. Not a lot in the grand scheme of things. Even the quicker riders will attest to that.
Fun can be had at any speed. The best result is seeing the massive grins on everyone's faces at the end of the day.

[iYRe]

I consider being more constant to be the better description rather than using the word slow.
Even the writer concedes that he (at times) will ''drop the hammer and have some fun, and I enjoy a high speed blast as much as the next adrenaline junkie''

On our learner rides, the more 'constant speed' group arrives anywhere between 5-10 minutes behind the quicker group/s. Not a lot in the grand scheme of things. Even the quicker riders will attest to that.
Fun can be had at any speed. The best result is seeing the massive grins on everyone's faces at the end of the day.

Yes, I concur. As I said, I ride faster than some, slower than others, I'm usually not that far behind the really fast guys and not that much ahead of the slow guys.

On our MCROD rides, there are 5-15 people, usually 2-3 are ahead of me, then there is usually about 5 or so with me, a minute or so behind, then a few mins behind us is the slower guys (generally people on cruisers or who dont ride so often and take a while to get into the swing of it).
Each person has their own style and comfort level, and the people in front stop and wait for everyone else.

I had this discussion in regards to bicycling the other day. I am used to riding my motorbike, and dealing with traffic at high speeds on a heavy bike. I do a reasonably good job of it. When I hop on my bicycle, I am doing 30-45kmh, on a 7kg machine. I feel VERY safe and like everything is happening at slow speed.. I do things that other cyclists (and car drivers) think are crazy, but for me they happen so slowly and I am prepared so far in advance for everything I never feel like its an issue.
I think its the same for motorcyclists. Some people just deal with speed better, and dont feel "unsafe" - and as the author said, they are probably still nowhere near 100% of their bikes capacity - or their own..
And some people just want to plod on.. as long as they are happy to do that, I am happy to wait for them, as long as the faster guys are happy to wait for me, we'll all live long and prosper.

[Edbear]

I consider being more constant to be the better description rather than using the word slow.
Even the writer concedes that he (at times) will ''drop the hammer and have some fun, and I enjoy a high speed blast as much as the next adrenaline junkie''

On our learner rides, the more 'constant speed' group arrives anywhere between 5-10 minutes behind the quicker group/s. Not a lot in the grand scheme of things. Even the quicker riders will attest to that.
Fun can be had at any speed. The best result is seeing the massive grins on everyone's faces at the end of the day.

Isn't that the sole reason for riding a bike? :scooter:

[EJK]

I'll chip in.

Well, I do ride a bike that's far-too-much-way-GREATER-than capable of doing just about anything on the road. While riding around town, even on the first gear doing 3.5k-4k rpm (where power just starts to come in) I'm already doing 50-60kph. So practically speaking, there's no place to ride the bike except on a track. But I do like to know the fact that I have all the power when I need it (if... maybe?). I don't use all 160+ ponies all the time but I like to have the peace of mind that it's there when I need it. I'd say it's like owning a supercharged pumped up 800hp Shelby Mustang. It's got all the power but that doesn't mean I have to use all of em everytime.

I know the bike's purely designed for track and superbike racing but I'm satisfied how it's got me around half the south island.

What I really do like about this track/race developed superbike is the handling. Oh God, the handling...

Speaking of which I'm going for a ride to Akaroa. Bye.

[caspernz]

Good article, that approach certainly works for me :2thumbsup

[Drew]

So it's agreed. Ride slow, unless you feel like going fast.

Glad that's straightened out.

[scumdog]

So it's agreed. Ride slow, unless you feel like going fast.



Yup - better than riding fast 'cos you feel ya GOT to...

[skippa1]

Yeah .. but for me the number one point is to have fun ... and as I said above I do have fun at a cruisey speed - I also have fun watching pathed 1%ers disappear in my mirrors because they wouldn't go passed 180 klicks .. (NOT in a built up area - only on the open road ...) ... passing Harley's at 180 klicks and change up a gear when I'm in front so they can hear the change in exhaust noise ... and no, I don't ride a sprots bike ... (my wife won't let me have one unles I sell a currently owned bike ...)

(I used to go passed 200 klicks every day I rode ... I am slowing down ... partly, and I'll admit it, because katman made me think ...)
I do believe a dick is waving:yes:

[scumdog]

I do believe a dick is waving:yes:


HEY, how about a KB wave???:eek5:

[Drew]

Yup - better than riding fast 'cos you feel ya GOT to...

Who ever feels they have to, is in need of a Darwin award anyway.

[skippa1]

HEY, how about a KB wave???:eek5:
Yeah but they get a mind of their own, next thing the wave is a wobble and its out of control. Not safe in my opinion :pinch:

[iYRe]

Who ever feels they have to, is in need of a Darwin award anyway.

people have been known to do drugs, get in fights, commit crimes and even suicide because of peer pressure.. riding too fast for ones skills doesnt seem too much of a stretch.

[Road kill]

I like to go my version of fast "which is not that quick" on twisty roads by myself but if I ride with a group I usually ride last in line and I never try to keep up with faster riders.

I get to see more and don't have to worry about anybody behind me getting lost breaking down or tailgating.

[Drew]

people have been known to do drugs, get in fights, commit crimes and even suicide because of peer pressure.. riding too fast for ones skills doesnt seem too much of a stretch.Have you ever, even once, heard a biker pressuring another biker into trying to keep up?

I never have. People pressure themselves for whatever reason, it's no bodies fault but the trying to keep up...per.

I hear people being told all the time, to ride their own ride. It's about the only thing on this fuckin place that doesn't get any argument...Cue the arguments...

[unstuck]

I wont ride with my brother very often for this reason, and if I do I keep my speed down because he is not a very good rider and does some really stupid shit.He only rides on dirt now anyway so all good.:2thumbsup

[Katman]

Have you ever, even once, heard a biker pressuring another biker into trying to keep up?

I never have. People pressure themselves for whatever reason, it's no bodies fault but the trying to keep up...per.

I hear people being told all the time, to ride their own ride. It's about the only thing on this fuckin place that doesn't get any argument...Cue the arguments...

There used to be plenty of smack talking on here that, whether it were in jest or not, certainly set the tone of a ride in that if you didn't keep up then there was something wrong with you.

The mere fact that it doesn't appear in words on here much any more doesn't mean that it doesn't still happen.

That Wellington Rider's Facebook group still appear retarded enough to encourage a group public road racing mentality.

[Grizzo]

Have you ever, even once, heard a biker pressuring another biker into trying to keep up?

I never have. People pressure themselves for whatever reason, it's no bodies fault but the trying to keep up...per.

I hear people being told all the time, to ride their own ride. It's about the only thing on this fuckin place that doesn't get any argument...Cue the arguments...

Classic. It appears that motorcyclists have evolved to be exempt from ego and peer pressure.

[Drew]

There used to be plenty of smack talking on here that, whether it were in jest or not, certainly set the tone of a ride in that if you didn't keep up then there was something wrong with you.

The mere fact that it doesn't appear in words on here much any more doesn't mean that it doesn't happen.

That Wellington Rider's Facebook group still appear retarded enough to encourage a group public road racing mentality.

I'm sorry, a bunch of guys who know each other smack talking, means someone else has to try and keep up with them on the ride?

Don't get me started on the Wellington riders group. I've been kicked out twice! Hehehe.

This peer pressure to ride fast thing, is something I've never encountered actually happening, by anyone other than people who know each other for a bit of a laugh.

If someone else witnesses this banter, and decides they should try and keep up, fuck 'em.

[Drew]

Classic. It appears that motorcyclists have evolved to be exempt from ego and peer pressure.Can you read? I said I've never seen anyone being told they should try and keep.

My definition of peer pressure, is someone being egged on to do something they are unsure of.

Ego is another thing all together, and those (like myself) who can't keep it in check, get the 'survival of the fittest' attitude from me. I tell everyone I was lucky to survive the shit I used to get up to on a bike on the road, and so do many others I know.

[MarkH]

I am a sport bike rider, and I am slow."


I have a great desire to be a slow rider, but it isn't always easy.
I'd like to ride safely, but riding to the conditions can be expensive if caught :Police:
I try as much as I can make myself, to ride within the legal limits.
I've moved from Auckland and am now considering changing bikes as I'm in less need of a city commuter and would maybe like to buy an RF900 - I'd like all at Kiwi Biker to pray for my licence.

[caspernz]

Classic. It appears that motorcyclists have evolved to be exempt from ego and peer pressure.

Hardly! But it's the main reason why some of us prefer to do the majority of clicks on our own, without the presence of a low skilled keeper-upper-peer-pressure-ego-challenged companion to spoil the day...:yes:

[Banditbandit]

I do believe a dick is waving:yes:

Yeah maybe ... especially at Harley riders .. because I know their bullshit attitudes ... I used to have one .. (see "I got Fingered Thread" - back in the days I've done exactly that) ...

As far as the rest goes .. naaa ... not really .. I like what iYRe posted .. but usually their idea of safe riding is nothing too fast .. so I just mentioned speeds to check .. and iYRe stuck with his "in the approopriate place" ... so I like what the article said - and agree ... I do try to ride so I do get home again (I sometimes fail to ride like that ... but hey, no-no'es purfect ... and I'm still alive and riding)

And, as I said, I am slowing down ... I am trying hard to stay under 110 klicks on my daily commute - and at least once a week I suceed ...

[iYRe]

It shouldnt be _that_ hard to slow down..
I use an android phone with an app called "Navier HUD" - it looks a bit TRON like, and has a huge digital speedo - as well as an accelerometer and stuff. I set the speed limit to 110, and so I know if I can see a big red glow, I need to slow down (no need to really look at it either, you can see the glow). Also, I look at the accelerometer from time to time and make sure that the acceleration/deceleration peaks are nice and smooth, and that in between is as flat as possible. I find when I manage that, I have had a much better, safer, smoother ride.

There is a lot of skill required to "ride smooth" - its a lot harder than merely riding fast..

When I was a young fella, I had the opportunity to ride with a guy named Trevor Mortensen. At the time he was riding speedway bikes (the Jawa 500 things..). When he rode with us young guys he was on an old Triumph 650 (well, newish at the time I think). I can remember following his awesomely smooth lines and style through the mountains and stuff, and having to work like a bastard to make the GSX1100 do the same thing. I wanted it to look as nice when I ride... whether I am faster or slower is irrelevant, and it became a "thing". Unfortunately I had forgotten about it a lot - I always do it in the car and on my bicycle, but on the motorbike I have gotten all "choppy". This article and discussion has reminded me the joy I get from stringing together a nice smooth ride. I think its time to revisit that.

[MarkH]

I'm wondering how easy it would be to ride slow if a person were to (just hypothetically) trade in a 400cc scooter on a 900cc (like maybe a RF 900) bike?
It could be a bit tempting to feel that acceleration and end up moving at a speed much greater than is legal.
How do you keep the horses at bay?

[Drew]

I'm wondering how easy it would be to ride slow if a person were to (just hypothetically) trade in a 400cc scooter on a 900cc (like maybe a RF 900) bike?
It could be a bit tempting to feel that acceleration and end up moving at a speed much greater than is legal.
How do you keep the horses at bay?

Out comes my cock, for a thorough waving!

My dirty old RF accelerates to 140kph, faster than an 04 CBR1000 with standard gearing. I'm not exaggerating!

Most people getting off their Burgman onto said RF, would crack the throttle inappropriately only once or twice, before the deserved respect was given.

There is nothing wrong with getting off a gutless bike, onto something fast. It takes the special kind of fucktard that I don't want to see on a bike, to not learn very quickly that they should take it a touch easy.

[MarkH]

Out comes my cock, for a thorough waving!

My dirty old RF accelerates to 140kph, faster than an 04 CBR1000 with standard gearing. I'm not exaggerating!

Most people getting off their Burgman onto said RF, would crack the throttle inappropriately only once or twice, before the deserved respect was given.

There is nothing wrong with getting off a gutless bike, onto something fast. It takes the special kind of fucktard that I don't want to see on a bike, to not learn very quickly that they should take it a touch easy.

I'm OK with taking it easy and riding at a safe speed, but how do I ride such a bike at a legal speed?
It might just test my self control to the limit.
er, theoretically of course.

[Drew]

I'm OK with taking it easy and riding at a safe speed, but how do I ride such a bike at a legal speed?
It might just test my self control to the limit.
er, theoretically of course.Na, there's a comfort level on any bike, and of everything I've ridden I think 140 would be the highest cruising speed.

Just because a bike can, doesn't have fuck all baring on weather a rider will...Except when you buy a gixxer thou. It is quite hard not to try and get the speedo to say 300. Especially after everyone tells you said speedo stops at 299, (which it does, and REALLY fucks you off)!

[MarkH]

I use an android phone with an app called "Navier HUD"

I curious about the mounting of the phone - what do you use to mount it and how do you do it?
This could be handy on a bike with the larger writing on the speedo being in MPH.

[Ocean1]

"last one to the pub buys the beers!"

On two occasions I've been involved in slow races where the first to the pub had to line 'em up.

Lost them both comfortably.

[Sable]

That Wellington Rider's Facebook group still appear retarded enough to encourage a group public road racing mentality.
I got kicked from there for telling the guy who runs it that stickers actually won't make his bike go faster.

[Madness]

How do you keep the horses at bay?

It gets a lot easier after your first 28-day licence suspension.

[EJK]

I'm OK with taking it easy and riding at a safe speed, but how do I ride such a bike at a legal speed?
It might just test my self control to the limit.
er, theoretically of course.

Lots and lots of self control.

Really, there is not much place to ride a supersport bike properly where there is law.

[awayatc]

Lots and lots of self control.

Really, there is not much place to ride a supersport bike properly where there is law.

Supersport....?

Hard enough to ride my tractor where there is law.........

[Banditbandit]

It shouldnt be _that_ hard to slow down..

You'd think not aye ...



I use an android phone with an app called "Navier HUD" - it looks a bit TRON like, and has a huge digital speedo - as well as an accelerometer and stuff. I set the speed limit to 110, and so I know if I can see a big red glow, I need to slow down (no need to really look at it either, you can see the glow).

I'm not into technology ...


Also, I look at the accelerometer from time to time and make sure that the acceleration/deceleration peaks are nice and smooth, and that in between is as flat as possible.

Yeah .. I do that ...


I find when I manage that, I have had a much better, safer, smoother ride.

There is a lot of skill required to "ride smooth" - its a lot harder than merely riding fast..



Recently I've been deciding what indicated speed I want to sit on ..and then try to stay at that speed no matter what .. so if I decide 112 on the clock, then I try to hold that speed (my speedos are about 10% inaccurate - I believe 109 indicated is 100 klicks actual) .. that's harder than it appears .. throttle off and on for up hills and down hills, changing gears to keep the revs and the handling up in the sharper corners ... (and never usingthe brakes)

Yes, it does make my riding more smooth ... and yes it is harder than riding fast ... and yes, in tight corners the adrenalin kicks in when your cranked over trying hold 112 klicks ... and yes, it's a litle twisty riding to and from work, but 112 klicks constant is possible ... I've never managed it in one hit .. but I have managed 112 klicks on all parts of the road at some time ... so putting together a total run like that is possible ..

[Drew]

There is a lot of skill required to "ride smooth" - its a lot harder than merely riding fast..


I know lots of slow smooth riders at the racetrack. Funny, no one in the stands has ever mentioned how much of a better rider those people are, than the front runners.

[iYRe]

I curious about the mounting of the phone - what do you use to mount it and how do you do it?
This could be handy on a bike with the larger writing on the speedo being in MPH.

I got a bicycle phone mount, and made a bracket to mount it to the handle bar clamps. Took about 5 mins with a hacksaw and a drill.


You'd think not aye ...

It really isn't. Its all about self control, either you have it or you dont. If you dont, chances are you're gonna end up hurt or dead.



I'm not into technology ...

Embrace it. It loves you :P



Recently I've been deciding what indicated speed I want to sit on ..and then try to stay at that speed no matter what .. so if I decide 112 on the clock, then I try to hold that speed (my speedos are about 10% inaccurate - I believe 109 indicated is 100 klicks actual) .. that's harder than it appears .. throttle off and on for up hills and down hills, changing gears to keep the revs and the handling up in the sharper corners ... (and never usingthe brakes)

Yes, it does make my riding more smooth ... and yes it is harder than riding fast ... and yes, in tight corners the adrenalin kicks in when your cranked over trying hold 112 klicks ... and yes, it's a litle twisty riding to and from work, but 112 klicks constant is possible ... I've never managed it in one hit .. but I have managed 112 klicks on all parts of the road at some time ... so putting together a total run like that is possible ..

I do a similar thing in traffic. I try to hold a constant speed (judging by engine sound because I'm never going to look at the speedo). It allows me to focus on what's going on around me, and control my environment. Although, that doesnt necessarily make you ride slower (just safer), and mr popo does not accept that as an excuse for the speed you were travelling..(yes, I got sprung twice - although, twice in 30 years isnt too bad)

[Katman]

...and yes, in tight corners the adrenalin kicks in when your cranked over trying hold 112 klicks...

If adrenalin kicks in "when cranked over trying to hold 112 klicks" then you're trying too hard.

[iYRe]

I know lots of slow smooth riders at the racetrack. Funny, no one in the stands has ever mentioned how much of a better rider those people are, than the front runners.

hey.. down at Paeroa this year there was the girls riding the sidecar... we watched them slowly get faster in the last race, pushing their bike to the limit slowly catching the bike in front, like a metre or 2 a lap until they eventually caught and past them. You could tell they were riding smoother, more confidently etc.. we gave them the biggest cheer of anyone in the whole day..

I appreciate skill, commitment, etc. I dont have any (skill, that is), but I can recognise it.

[iranana]

+1 on the slow riding. I ride like a damn grandpa if the roads are wet or I'm tired. I've had my fair share of injuries and I'm not really very keen to crash my bike. If the roads are dry or empty... then well yeah I like to rip things up but I rarely speed. I am, however, quick to reach the speed limit. I get so sick of speeding cagers and, tailgaters but fuck em, they can wait... I prefer to leave them in a cloud of blue smoke at the lights :yes:

[Drew]

hey.. down at Paeroa this year there was the girls riding the sidecar... we watched them slowly get faster in the last race, pushing their bike to the limit slowly catching the bike in front, like a metre or 2 a lap until they eventually caught and past them. You could tell they were riding smoother, more confidently etc.. we gave them the biggest cheer of anyone in the whole day..

I appreciate skill, commitment, etc. I dont have any (skill, that is), but I can recognise it.Not a great example I'm afraid.

Pinky had some set up issues in the morning, and the girls had a very close up look at the bales on the inside of the hair pin when it all went tits up.

Of course they eased into the rest of the day.

Anyway, that isn't the approach to winning races usually, unless one is so much faster than the rest of the field they can cruise a few laps. Not an option on a 600cc outfit, up against mostly 1000cc rigs.

[iYRe]

Not a great example I'm afraid.

Pinky had some set up issues in the morning, and the girls had a very close up look at the bales on the inside of the hair pin when it all went tits up.

Of course they eased into the rest of the day.

Anyway, that isn't the approach to winning races usually, unless one is so much faster than the rest of the field they can cruise a few laps. Not an option on a 600cc outfit, up against mostly 1000cc rigs.

it was just the first example that came to mind

[Corse1]

Worth a read.. I concur with his sentiments 100%

http://www.odd-bike.com/2013/06/in-praise-of-slow.html
I fall into another, seldom mentioned category of rider – seasoned, skilled, and having a strong sense of self-preservation. I am a slow rider. And I am here to proselytize my style of riding, and speak in praise of slow. [..]
Didn't read all the replies but hey ride your own pace has been around for ages. Group rides suck. One or two like minded friends makes it much more enjoyable and safer.

My ideal group is "seasoned, skilled, and having a strong sense of self-preservation"

Everyone is happy at the end of the day :yes:

[rocketman1]

Just to say that crashing at 40 kmh when you lose the front, you hit the deck in a millisecond, bang shoulder dislocated, ribs cracked, huge bruise on the leg and hurt my back bad.
I know just recovering after 2 months and this happened off road on a trail bike.
I would just like all those that dont give a f--k about fast, just remember who is going to look after you while you recover dude?
Think of those may leave you behind at the cemetry.
Take 5 seconds too think about what you are doing when you are being silly.

Life is good, riding is the best fun.
Fast is for the track

[Wayz]

I was given my first bike at 14, it was my personal goal to get my beast to move as fast as it could go, that was fun for the first week....it grew old fast. Then my approach changed, even at 14 I knew there was more to riding than moving through the gears and opening it up, any one is capable of that.

[BigAl]

.....
Fast is for the track

I take it you've never been to a road race then?

One mans opinion of fast is another mans idea of safe and steady.

[MarkH]

I was given my first bike at 14, it was my personal goal to get my beast to move as fast as it could go, that was fun for the first week....it grew old fast. Then my approach changed, even at 14 I knew there was more to riding than moving through the gears and opening it up, any one is capable of that.

I didn't get my first bike until 18 and I was probably more reckless and stupid at that age than you were at 14. I had some scary moments in the wet which made me realise that I like traction and it isn't a good idea to push things to the limit in poor conditions. Fast is best left to places where it is safe to open up a little, care should be taken where it is warranted.

Coming home today on my RF900 I was ticking along at 4,000 rpm in 5th and it felt just fine, speedo was reading somewhere around 105kph. I'll have to run the GPS when I figure how to mount it to find out the relation between actual speed & indicated speed. I did pass 3 vehicles at one point and it is possible that the speedo was indicating slightly above the 110kph level :whistle: but it was a nice straight part of the road with good visibility so I felt quite safe, I did quickly easy off and settle back to 4,000rpm before I got myself into any trouble. My current goal is to not crash and to also not get any speeding tickets over the next couple of years - I don't need any of that hassle.